EU CBAM 2026/2027 readiness for non-EU exporters
Check if you qualify for the small-importer 50-ton exemption and estimate CBAM costs for your steel, aluminium, or cement exports to the EU. Read the guide in CBAM overview before you start the check.
Check if your goods are covered by EU CBAM and if you qualify for the 50-ton exemption
CBAM goods list: steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen
CBAM initially covers six categories of carbon-intensive goods: iron and steel products, aluminum products, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Within these categories, specific CN (Combined Nomenclature) codes determine which exact products are covered. For example, steel includes various forms like ingots, bars, sheets, and tubes. Check your product's CN code against the official CBAM goods list to confirm coverage.
Authorised CBAM declarant application (when and how)
An authorised CBAM declarant is someone approved by EU customs to import CBAM goods and purchase CBAM certificates. You need authorised declarant status if you regularly import CBAM-covered goods and your annual imports exceed the 50-ton small-importer threshold. The application involves demonstrating financial capacity, providing business registration documents, and establishing a CBAM account in the EU's CBAM registry. Processing can take several weeks, so apply well before your first CBAM-covered shipment.
Supplier email templates for CBAM data collection
You need embedded emissions data from your suppliers to calculate CBAM certificate requirements. Our generator creates professional email templates in English (with optional translations) that request: product-specific embedded emissions (per tonne CO₂e), production method and energy sources, any carbon pricing already paid in the origin country, and supporting documentation or certifications. These templates explain CBAM to suppliers unfamiliar with EU regulations.
CBAM vs EU ETS price link and updates
CBAM certificate prices are linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) price. Each CBAM certificate represents one tonne of CO₂ equivalent. The price fluctuates weekly based on ETS auction results. As of early 2025, ETS prices hover around €80-100 per tonne, meaning CBAM certificates cost approximately the same. EU Market Ready tracks current ETS prices to provide up-to-date cost estimates.
How to tell your customs broker you are CBAM-ready
Inform your freight forwarder or customs broker that you have: identified which goods are CBAM-covered, obtained authorised declarant status (if required), collected embedded emissions data from suppliers, and are prepared to purchase CBAM certificates. Provide your CBAM registry account ID and any supplier emissions documentation. This ensures smooth customs clearance without delays.
CBAM certificate cost estimation for planning
To estimate CBAM costs: calculate the total weight (in tonnes) of CBAM-covered goods you import annually, multiply by the embedded emissions per tonne (typically 1.5-2.5 tonnes CO₂e per tonne of steel or aluminum), subtract any carbon price paid in the origin country, and multiply by the current ETS/CBAM certificate price (€80-100 per tonne CO₂). Our calculator automates this process based on your import data and supplier emissions figures.
How to store supplier emission data in EU Market Ready
Upload supplier emissions certificates, email responses, and production data sheets to your EU Market Ready dashboard. We store these documents securely, indexed by supplier, product type, and date. When customs or regulators request proof of embedded emissions, you can instantly retrieve and export the relevant documentation. Version control ensures you always reference the most current supplier data.
How to estimate your annual CBAM-relevant imports when you're a small seller
Small sellers benefit from a simplified approach. Review your past 12 months of shipments and filter for products that match CBAM CN codes. Calculate the total weight of these goods in tonnes. If your total is below 50 tonnes per year across all CBAM categories, you qualify for the small-importer exemption and do not need to purchase CBAM certificates (though you still must report imports). If you exceed 50 tonnes, you need full CBAM compliance including certificate purchases.
How to request embedded emissions data from suppliers
Contact suppliers as early as possible — many are unfamiliar with CBAM requirements. Use our email templates to explain: what CBAM is (EU carbon border tax), why you need their data (to comply with EU import rules), what specific information you need (embedded emissions per tonne, production method, carbon pricing paid), and the deadline for response (ideally 60-90 days before your first 2026 shipment). Offer to share EU guidance documents translated into their language if needed.
Linking CBAM to other EU & UK market-entry obligations
VAT / IOSS + CBAM: when you ship goods and import raw materials
If you import raw materials or semi-finished goods covered by CBAM (like aluminum ingots) and then process and sell finished products to EU consumers, you face both CBAM obligations (for the import) and VAT/IOSS obligations (for the sale). These are separate compliance streams: CBAM applies at import/customs clearance, while VAT/IOSS applies at the point of sale to consumers. Ensure your customs broker knows about both.
Adding DSA website disclosure to your site footer
The Digital Services Act requires online platforms and sellers to disclose business information in an easily accessible location. Add a "Legal Notice" or "DSA Information" link to your footer with: your legal business name and address, contact email and phone, how users can lodge complaints, and any relevant registration numbers (trade register, VAT number). For physical goods importers, you might also mention your CBAM authorised declarant status as a sign of regulatory compliance.
Versioning CBAM reports for audits
As CBAM rules evolve (expansion to more product categories expected in 2027-2030), maintain version history of your CBAM assessments. EU Market Ready timestamps each report with the ruleset version (e.g., "CBAM 2026-Q1", "CBAM 2027-Q2"). If audited, you can show regulators that you reassessed your obligations when rules changed and adjusted your compliance accordingly.
How to re-run CBAM checks when thresholds change
EU Market Ready monitors official CBAM updates and notifies you when: new product categories are added to CBAM, the 50-ton threshold changes, or ETS/CBAM certificate prices shift significantly. Re-run your CBAM check quarterly or whenever your import volumes change by more than 20% to ensure you remain compliant or still qualify for small-importer exemption.
How to notify suppliers when EU rules are updated
When CBAM rules change, your suppliers may need to provide updated or additional emissions data. We provide update email templates that explain: what changed in EU regulations, what new information you need from them, the deadline for response, and links to official EU CBAM guidance. Keeping suppliers informed reduces delays and ensures you have current data for customs declarations.
Showing your compliance status to EU partners
EU distributors or B2B customers may ask for proof of CBAM compliance before placing orders. Export a compliance summary from EU Market Ready showing: your authorised declarant status, supplier emissions data on file, estimated CBAM certificate costs, and confirmation that you have processes in place to handle CBAM reporting. This builds trust and demonstrates professionalism.
Exporting CBAM results as PDF/CSV
Generate PDF reports for management review or investor due diligence, showing estimated CBAM costs and compliance readiness. Export CSV files of your import data and embedded emissions for financial planning or customs broker handoff. All exports are timestamped and versioned for auditability.
GDPR / UK GDPR: data you store about suppliers and shipments
When you collect supplier emissions data, you're often receiving business information that may include personal data (like contact names and emails of supplier representatives). If your suppliers are in the EU/UK or if you store this data on EU/UK servers, GDPR/UK GDPR may apply. Your privacy policy should disclose that you collect supplier business information for compliance purposes, how long you retain it (typically 7 years for customs/tax records), and who has access to it.
French packaging number / German VerpackG for physical goods
If you import CBAM-covered goods (like aluminum or steel components) that are packaged for sale in France or Germany, you also need country-specific packaging registrations: French packaging number (eco-organisme) and German VerpackG (LUCID). These requirements apply even to B2B sellers if the goods reach the French or German market in consumer-facing packaging. Coordinate with your logistics partner to ensure all compliance obligations are met simultaneously.
Pricing and plans
CBAM module included in Growth
The CBAM readiness checker is included in our Growth plan ($39/mo) along with unlimited VAT checks, GDPR policy generation, and EPR/DSA tools. Growth plan also includes supplier email template generation, CBAM cost calculator with live ETS pricing, and storage for supplier emissions documentation.
API / webhook for logistics providers
Freight forwarders and logistics providers can integrate EU Market Ready CBAM checks into their systems via API. This allows automated CBAM assessment at quotation or booking stage, alerting your operations team if a shipment contains CBAM-covered goods. API access is available for Growth plan users, with enterprise pricing for high-volume integrations.
Support and update cadence
EU CBAM regulations are evolving rapidly as the EU refines implementation details. EU Market Ready monitors official EU sources (European Commission CBAM pages, EU ETS auctions) and updates our ruleset monthly. All users receive email notifications when significant CBAM changes occur, along with guidance on what actions to take.
Disclaimer: informational, not legal
EU Market Ready provides tools and information to help you understand CBAM requirements. This is not legal, tax, or customs advice. CBAM compliance involves customs law and carbon accounting — for complex situations or large import volumes, consult with a qualified EU customs attorney or carbon accounting specialist.
Contact for complex CBAM chains
If your supply chain is complex (e.g., raw materials from multiple countries, intermediate processing steps), calculating embedded emissions becomes challenging. We maintain a referral network of carbon accounting firms and EU customs consultants who specialize in CBAM compliance for importers. Contact our support team for introductions.
Connecting to MkSaaS jobs/queue
For users with high volumes of shipments, EU Market Ready (built on MkSaaS) can process CBAM checks via background job queues. Upload a CSV of your planned imports, and we'll batch-process CBAM coverage checks, cost estimates, and flag any missing supplier data. Results are available via dashboard or API webhook.
Changelog of EU CBAM changes
Access a detailed changelog of CBAM rule updates, sortable by date and category. Each entry includes: date of change, official EU source, summary of what changed, and recommended actions for importers. This helps you stay informed and adjust your compliance processes as CBAM evolves from 2026 to 2027 and beyond.
One-off CBAM readiness report
If you only need a single CBAM assessment (e.g., to evaluate market entry feasibility or estimate costs for a business plan), purchase a one-off CBAM report for $29. This includes: product coverage check, 50-ton exemption calculation, cost estimate with current ETS pricing, and downloadable PDF report. No subscription required.
Agency / white-label option
Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and trade consultants can offer CBAM readiness checks to their clients under their own branding. Our white-label option removes EU Market Ready branding and allows custom domain setup. Contact us for agency and white-label pricing.
Related guides
Check your CBAM readiness now
Determine if your imports are covered by CBAM, estimate costs, and generate supplier data request templates in under 5 minutes.